Create Your Cozy Abode
After a long day of work, there is nothing better than coming home to a warm, cozy safe haven. We’ve thought of a few home adjustments that may not have crossed your mind when preparing for the cold. Follow the steps below to learn simple ways to prevent the winter blues.
#1 Wash Bed Pillows
You’ve put a lot of time into creating the perfect comfy safe haven. Not too many pillows, but just enough blankets to drift you in a perfect night’s sleep. But what if we told you that safe haven wasn’t so safe? Without proper cleaning, your pillows are collecting dust mites and dead skin (mega ick).
#2 Don’t Forget the Mattress
Just like your pillows, your mattress, without proper cleaning, can be a collector of dead skin cells, sweat and dust mites. Sleeping soundly is even more enjoyable when you know you’re lying on a clean mattress.
It’s recommended that at least four times a year you vacuum it and then wipe it down with a cloth dampened with an upholstery shampoo. But be sure to let it dry; otherwise, you’re inviting mold.
#3 Insulate Windows
Keep your home cozy by hanging drapes as close to your windows as possible to help you keep the heat inside. You can even add clear Velcro strips or dots to the back of the drape and attach to fasteners on the wall to help insulate. Insulating not only keeps you warmer but causes your furnace to work less, in turn, saving you money.
#4 Change Ceiling Fan Direction
Most have a switch to allow the ceiling fan blades to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise — one way pushes air down to create a nice breeze and the other sucks air up, helping to distribute the heat.
Typically, it’s counterclockwise or left for summer and clockwise for winter.
#5 Stock up on Snow Supplies
Snowfall is a given in Michigan, so now is the time to take advantage of seasonal sales to make sure you’re not the one rushing to the hardware store at the last minute — only to find out they just sold out of ice melt.
If you have a snow blower, be sure to have it serviced and fueled up before the first winter storm arrives — and with it, price hikes on all the snow stuff. Get your winter supplies early, and save!
#6 Trim Tree Branches
The last thing you need is a winter storm loosening the grip of that mighty tree whose branches are angling over your roof. Long limbs invite pests to explore your roof for excess water that seeps into cracks in the roof or siding.
#7 Get Fireplace Swept
It’s time to dust off and sweep the chimney! A professional chimney sweep will ensure your wood-burning fireplace burns more efficiently and will help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter.
